It is with profound sorrow the family of Jean Maxine Johnson announce her peaceful passing May 20, 2011 at St. Joseph's Hospice.
Jean was born in Winnipeg, MB on September 18, 1929 to Walter and Janet Smyth. She was raised on the family farm in Oakner Township, MB and was educated at Oakner Consolidated School. As a young woman she moved to Brandon where she began her working career. She relocated to Winnipeg working for Canada Safeway Ltd. While working for Safeway the opportunity arose to go to the Lakehead (Thunder Bay) to open a new store. It is here where she met and married Roy Johnson in August of 1953. They had three children Lee, Larry and Lisa. Roy passed away in 1966. Jean single-handedly and tirelessly raised her children alone. Jean truly was the quintessential definition of a dedicated single hard-working woman.
Jean retired from Safeway in 1995 after 43 years of service. A career she was very proud and thankful for. On her last day at the store, they raised a banner of her cashiers I.D. number to the ceiling rafters, befitting the send off of a hockey heroes retired jersey. She was very touched. I can see her right now, rolling her eyes to get on with it and stop tooting her horn. She truly had a wonderful personality, sense of humour and a work ethic we can only hope to aspire to.
Jean’s life was dedicated to family. Retirement afforded her even more time to shower on her cherished children and grandchildren. She was also able to take up new hobbies such as weekly bridge and card games with friends. She also enjoyed being able to volunteer more time to her church, Our Saviour's Lutheran Parish.
She will be lovingly remembered by her sons Lee (Hanya) and Larry, daughter Lisa Deley, grandchildren Andrew,Jeffrey, Jayme, Ben, and Hannah, sister-in-law Mavis Smyth as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Janet Smyth, husband Roy Albert Johnson, in-laws Albert and Elsa Johnson, uncle Walter Peterson, grandson baby Ryan Johnson, daughter-in-law Deborah Johnson, sister-in-law Vye Sandberg, nephew Bruce Sandberg, and her brothers William (Alice), Donald (Helen) and John Smyth.
A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Wednesday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Matthew Diegel officiating. A private family interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the TBRHS-Northern Cancer Fund or the Our Saviour’s Building Fund would be appreciated. Arrangements in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street.
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